So in many cases, "if you can improve your credit score, you can save money on your insurance premiums," says Nyce.

And if your credit is low, shop for a company that doesn't use credit scores.

Look at the 'why' behind the quote. Insurance modeling -- what the company looks at to determine your risk and premiums -- is constantly changing, says Nyce. It can also vary from company to company.

Making smarter buying decisions

1. Overall 2. Health insurance 3. Life and disability income insurance 4. Home and auto

While Nyce was shopping his own insurance, he noticed a big difference between the auto quotes from two different insurers. The one included his zip code as part of the local urban area, which raised the premium. With the second, he fell outside what they considered the metro area. The difference: several hundred dollars.

Take inventory. Before you can collect on a claim, you have to submit proof of what you lost. The smartest way to do that is to prepare the list ahead and update it annually.

Go room by room with a video camera. Make a list with photos. Or take advantage of free computer software provided at KnowYourStuff.org, which partners with the Insurance Information Institute. The program walks you through a tour of your home, prompting you to detail what's in each room; allows you to attach photographs or copies of receipts; and stores results in a secure online location, she says.

When you purchase big-ticket items, keep a copy of the receipts and stash them with your file. Make several copies and keep one away from home.

Having an inventory "makes filing a claim a breeze," says Gorman. "And you'll get a better claim."